AK SB77

Requires national criminal history record checks through FBI fingerprint submission for current and prospective Department of Revenue employees who administer the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program

Expands allowable absences from Alaska that do not disqualify PFD eligibility to include breaks and holidays during the academic year (excluding summer break) for students in secondary, postsecondary, or vocational education, as well as required orientation programs

Adds U.S. Coast Guard-approved vocational programs that train students for merchant marine careers as a qualifying allowable absence category for PFD eligibility

Makes all information on PFD applications confidential, removing the previous exception that allowed public disclosure of applicants' names

Allows the Department of Revenue to send notices about dividend seizures via email to applicants who have consented to electronic communication, in addition to mailed notices

Effective date: January 1, 2026